HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 1872

Title:  An act relating to granting state‑wide warrant jurisdiction to courts of limited jurisdiction.

Brief Description:  Granting state‑wide warrant jurisdiction to courts of limited jurisdiction.

Sponsors:  Representatives Hurst, Lambert, Lovick, O'Brien and Carrell.

                    Brief Summary of Bill

CGrants a court of limited jurisdiction the authority to take recognizance, approve bail, and arraign defendants on warrants issued by courts of limited jurisdiction from other jurisdictions.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Staff:  Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

Warrants issued by a superior court are enforceable throughout the state.  However, warrants issued by a court of limited jurisdiction (a district court or municipal court) are only enforceable within the jurisdiction of the issuing court.  In other words, a municipal court in King County may not enforce a warrant issued by a municipal court in Spokane County.

Summary of Bill:

A court of limited jurisdiction may take recognizance, approve bail, and arraign defendants on warrants issued by courts of limited jurisdiction from other jurisdictions.

Fiscal Note:  Requested February 19, 1999.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

                 Office of Program Research